A Dream Come True?

August 31, 2014

He had made it at last! It was his Dream Come True. Staring at the 7 Hills above him, 70-year-old Laxman’s joy knew no bounds! He was going to see the Lord and how! Not in his celestial abode but the earthly one aptly called the ‘Bhoo Vaikuntam’! Laxman had heard so many stories of the Lord but what was dear to him was that the Lord never failed to give ‘darshan’ or audience to the ones who sought him in earnest. This Lord it was also said that, reminded each and every one of his vows but never failed to ‘give’ too, if the promise was kept. There was no ‘fooling’ Him any which way! Everybody reaped as they sowed and HE saw to it!

‘Absolute faith’ has brought me here, thought Laxman once again. He was where he was because of the Lord’s will. He had surrendered completely to HIS will. He knew that there were 6000 odd steps to reach the Lord here by foot and had planned beforehand to climb it in 4 stages. It would take him about 4 hours, he calculated.

The first stage passed off quickly before he could even think. Laxman looked back… His childhood flashed before him. His parents, how well they had looked after him, in spite of their hardships! ‘Think Good for all and Pray to God whatever be’ was his father’s simple message. This had guided him in the most complex of situations, never allowing him to go astray. His was therefore a happy childhood without any doubt.

Energized, Laxman took the next flight of steps. Looking down and amidst the beautiful scenery his ‘Youth’ stared back at him! ‘Be Big at heart, then everything falls in place’, his mother had advised  him then, teaching him the importance of distinguishing between need and greed. He had obliged by helping others in distress in whichever way he could. He had taken a liking to cooking at the outset, whilst helping his mother do her household chores. This had landed him the job of a ‘Chief Chef’ at 
the Town’s most popular temple in Car Street. ‘Doling dishes to the devotees of the Ultimate Deliverer’, Laxman had thought. His faith was now intensified, he prayed that he be called to the Headquarters, at least once.

Completing the third stage, Laxman again went down memory lane. Losing his beloved parents at 35, he had married Urmila some 2 years later. His learned friend , a Purohit had explained in detail to him the meaning of ‘Saptha Padhis’ or the ‘7 rounds-vows’, one took during marriage. Laxman understood the meaning behind them. They were like ‘passwords’ to make an ‘ Union’ meaningful, he had thought then. There could be no ‘cracks’ in a marriage if one really ‘understood’ Saptha-Padhis. His daughter Prateeksha had arrived 3 years later and added to their bliss.

Laxman finally reached and saw down - one last time. The last 30 years were hectic. He had given the same values to his girl child who was his bundle of joy. He had seen her grow the way he had wished and complete her studies. At 60 he had retired from work. At 62, a crisis had seen him lose heavily on his savings. He had managed however, sticking to his principles. His daughter’s marriage 3 years later had brought his material stock down to zero. Undeterred he had resorted to selling vegetables at the very door-steps of the temple , he had worked earlier. It was a hard grind. Getting up at 3 am everyday, collecting vegetables at wholesale rates near the Central Market and towing it down to Car-Street. His wife and child were a great support and he had wished to save enough soon to embark on a final pilgrimage.

Without his knowing, Laxman had reached the bend where he was about to see the Lord of his dreams.

At last! Then a dazzling light seemed to engulf him front on. Fully bedecked the Lord was there smiling before him! Just as he had thought all over the years! ‘’Laxman….

The Lord was actually speaking to him!!!

‘’Any bag or baggage Laxman’’??

“No Noooo No … Lord’…Laxman managed.
 
‘Really ‘See Me’ Laxman??

“Yes - I do”…..blurted Laxman….

“Good… Lots here come just to have a ‘sight’ of me, but troubled as to what’s happening back home and want to return back fast…Laxman, You Want to be a ‘drop’ outside or be one with the Ocean’…Laxman??

‘The Ocean….Ocean---Laxman stammered. A light seemed to go out and got merged into the brilliant ‘Aura’ pervading .

In a small mud-house near Pandeshwar in Mangalore, Prateeksha, who had come the day before, was trying to wake up her father. It was 5 am and her father had not woken up. It was odd. She tried to give a gentle push only to find that his body had gone cold. The doctor who came later could not do anything. The end may have come at around 4 am was all he had to say.

Later that day Laxman’s friends gathered at Car Street. A certain, Bhandarkar who knew Laxman very well was misty eyed. Amidst slight sobs he said…'Laxmanmaam, Laxmanmaam, never ever had any desires left... Pious to the core..He only wanted to see the Lord of the 7 Hills once… Lord of the 7 Hills once....



By R Bhandarkar
To submit your article / poem / short story to Daijiworld, please email it to news@daijiworld.com mentioning 'Article/poem submission for daijiworld' in the subject line. Please note the following:

  • The article / poem / short story should be original and previously unpublished in other websites except in the personal blog of the author. We will cross-check the originality of the article, and if found to be copied from another source in whole or in parts without appropriate acknowledgment, the submission will be rejected.
  • The author of the poem / article / short story should include a brief self-introduction limited to 500 characters and his/her recent picture (optional). Pictures relevant to the article may also be sent (optional), provided they are not bound by copyright. Travelogues should be sent along with relevant pictures not sourced from the Internet. Travelogues without relevant pictures will be rejected.
  • In case of a short story / article, the write-up should be at least one-and-a-half pages in word document in Times New Roman font 12 (or, about 700-800 words). Contributors are requested to keep their write-ups limited to a maximum of four pages. Longer write-ups may be sent in parts to publish in installments. Each installment should be sent within a week of the previous installment. A single poem sent for publication should be at least 3/4th of a page in length. Multiple short poems may be submitted for single publication.
  • All submissions should be in Microsoft Word format or text file. Pictures should not be larger than 1000 pixels in width, and of good resolution. Pictures should be attached separately in the mail and may be numbered if the author wants them to be placed in order.
  • Submission of the article / poem / short story does not automatically entail that it would be published. Daijiworld editors will examine each submission and decide on its acceptance/rejection purely based on merit.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to edit the submission if necessary for grammar and spelling, without compromising on the author's tone and message.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to reject submissions without prior notice. Mails/calls on the status of the submission will not be entertained. Contributors are requested to be patient.
  • The article / poem / short story should not be targeted directly or indirectly at any individual/group/community. Daijiworld will not assume responsibility for factual errors in the submission.
  • Once accepted, the article / poem / short story will be published as and when we have space. Publication may take up to four weeks from the date of submission of the write-up, depending on the number of submissions we receive. No author will be published twice in succession or twice within a fortnight.
  • Time-bound articles (example, on Mother's Day) should be sent at least a week in advance. Please specify the occasion as well as the date on which you would like it published while sending the write-up.

Comment on this article

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Sep 10 2014

    Thank you dear Kavitha for reading and feeling for Laxman Maam.

  • Kavitha, Kuwait

    Mon, Sep 08 2014

    Very nice story of Laxmanmam...very heart touching. I almost cried after reading your comment...

  • Prabhu, Blore

    Fri, Sep 05 2014

    Lakshman Maama.
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    ― Mark Twain

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Fri, Sep 05 2014

    Contd:
    1. Prabhu Maam: Again! Yes there is a 'male in every female' and it is no joke.The keen can see and then they arrive!
    2. Thank you dear Sundari Madam.
    I know you have certain good wishes. May all of them come true and God Bless.
    3.John D'Souza Sir...Very noble thought and craving. Your reasoning and expectation so very apt in the present or any given era. Thank you for reading and paying a tribute to Laxman maam.

  • John DSouza, Mangalore/Qatar

    Thu, Sep 04 2014

    Congratulations to Bhandarkarmaam, RIP to Laxmanmaam and safe journey to all of us who are in the same route, to realize our dreams.
    An individual can reach heaven, if his dream comes true and people can enjoy heaven on earth, if a nation’s dream comes true.
    Let us awake and dream big to ensure the comfortable sleep of generations to come.

  • Sundari Ashoknagar, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 04 2014

    Bhandarkarmam, eerena sentiments enk artha aand. Yanla Laxmanmamun toothe aanda arena vishya enk ithe gotthand.Eerena barepina style enk barpuji. Yaan eer dane maaya athar pandid ennoddithe. Eer barepinett busy itharattha. Your writings touch my heart mind and soul. Yaan onji maranak doora podithe ancha late aand article odere. All the best nanala bared enkulek food for thought korle.

  • Prabhu, Blore

    Thu, Sep 04 2014

    Thanks Bandu Maam,
    You forgot to mention ....that there is a male in every female too !

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Sep 04 2014

    contd...
    matters right. Hope you really enjoyed in the 'dream world' my article took you. Remember to call me once you come down to Mangalore.
    14. Dear Richard ..Absolutely. There is none to write an ode to a common simple man who has done
    so much to change his surroundings for the better when he is alive. This is just an attempt and thank you so much for recognizing it.
    15. Lucy Madam...Thank you so much for your blessings. With a bowed head I accept it.
    Thank you all dears for supporting me in paying my tribute to Laxman Maam.
    May God bless everybody.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Sep 04 2014

    Contd...
    5. Mohan ramesh..A stylish Namaskaar to you too Bro.
    6.Jimmy Baab -I am your fan and I am very happy that my article has elicited a response from you and in relation to Laxman maam.
    7.Dear Dr Anand and Geetha madam..Your inferences are impeccable as always.
    8.Hey Prabhu... Prabhu Maam ,Thank you for being there always. There is a 'believer' in
    every 'non-believer' and a 'theist'in every 'Atheist'is all that I can say!In fact your very foundation is in that of Belief! Just think -If it were not for 'Belief' what would you have opposed?? Fully Dressed - Yes? You are ready then! Just waiting for that 'click'...Sir! It will happen and you shall see.
    9. Madam Anita...Your analysis is so very wonderful,apt and I consider this too as a special tribute to Laxmanmaam.
    10. J.C. Pinto Sir..Thank you so much for your faith in my writings. Many or almost are experienced I tell you and thank you for finding out this relation.
    11.Geoffrey Sir..Residing in Hat Hill and still finding this as a
    'breath of fresh air' definitely means ,you must have been touched or moved.Our 'inducements' to reach the 7th Hill or Heaven are temporary in nature and feel they must be made permanent! At least mine!!
    12. Jacintha Madam -Your one line comment conveys much much more and I hope many read it.
    13.Rita Madam..If you look at my photo-you'll exclaim that 'It looks like this guy can't write a thing'! Let suspense rule for some time!What's in a photo in any case! It's the 'heart' that

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Sep 04 2014

    To all who have supported me by way of commenting here and all readers I wish to share a few things.
    1.Laxman maam was not my figment of imagination.
    2. He expired on 28-5- 2014. This is my tribute to him.
    3. Not many around Car Street may have read this article. However I
    am happy that you all over the world, have read about him and placed him in your hearts.
    4. I miss Laxman Maam dearly. From what little he told me about himself, I presented it my own way.
    5. I had given him the 'Prasadam' of the Lord of the 7 Hills once.
    6. I used to buy vegetables from him on a daily basis and feel lost when I see the empty space now.
    7. Laxmanmaam had suffered three heart attacks prior and was still working.
    8. I used to ask the Lord inside the temple daily after 28th May, Oh Lord! where did he go?
    9.Just recently on asking continuously I think I heard a voice ask- Where do you think He Has Gone? Then it struck me..this is where he must have gone.
    1. Madam Prescilla.For sure, your guess is correct.
    2.Mehita.I did so initially and let you do it now. Thankful to you.
    3. Lancy Baab - You too are a creator coming next only to God. Music is such a force.Indebted to you.
    4. Antony Sir:It will be my pleasure to meet you in December.
    Daiji Street or any Street we commuters if we are destined to meet we surely shall. However everything will have a time tag attached to it and I know that
    of all you very well know it. My sincere regards..Sir, and take your wish as blessings.
    ....

  • Lucy Rodrigues, Moodubelle/Mumbai

    Wed, Sep 03 2014

    Great article.Heart touching. Thank you and God bless you always.

  • Richard, Qatar/Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 03 2014

    Good touching and short to the point. Brought to my mind several simple good people just longing for a good end after a lifelong struggle. Keep it up Mr.Bandarkar

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Sep 03 2014

    Dear Bhandu mamu,really fantastic.One realizes Lakshmanns faith and seeing his wishes come true of seeing God but couldnt share with others.He died.but when is our dream will come true of seeing your Photo at least in Daiji? Your wonderful article takes us to a wonderful dream world.Hope for more such article.

  • jacintha, kadri

    Tue, Sep 02 2014

    Sir, it's truly a wonderful story...A beautiful end which most of us are awaiting.It was soothing to see Laxmann fulfilling his dream.Thank you.

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Tue, Sep 02 2014

    Thanks for the breath of fresh air R Bhandarkar. On a lighter note, we do reach 'seventh heaven (not hill)' quite often, don't we?

  • J C Pinto, Mumbai, Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 01 2014

    Bhandarkar Maam,
    How easily you convey the beautiful messages from time to time. It's an art and it's from heart. Whenever you write something, whether fiction or comments, there is wit, humour and a message. Keep going !!!!

  • anita britto , Mangalore/Auckland

    Mon, Sep 01 2014

    Beautifully narrated with a strong message that appeals to humankind's basic instincts. Mr. Bhandarkar as always speaks straight to the heart compelling us to reflect on the stages in our own life while admiring the unwavering faith that dicated every aspect of Laxman's decisions.

    An important reminder for each of us to continue to face all our trials in life with fortitude and unquestionable faith, knowing that that's the only way to liberate the immortal soul which will continue to exist forever and ever even after the body perishes.Mr. Bhandarkar skilfully reminds us that Eternal Bliss is far more rewarding than the short-term gains that we can enjoy for a limited period and like Laxman who lived an exemplary life, we all should focus on the luminous light.

  • Prabhu, Blore

    Mon, Sep 01 2014

    Good, Godly one BANDUMAM,
    But for us Athiests it's .......
    ALL DRESSED UP, WITH NO WHERE TO GO !

  • Dr.Anand & Geeta N Pereira, Sakleshpur/kadri

    Mon, Sep 01 2014

    Hi Bhandarkar,
    Brilliant story, Philosophy in the mind and spirituality in the heart. The quest of happiness is an inward one, which requires a lot of self realization. Each line, gently nudging the reader to reflect on their respective stages in life, May be four or even more. Two important messages that comes through Faith is the foundation of our real life and one has to seek God with a pure heart.

  • jimmy noronha, bellore/Lucknow

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Good one, in the end it all boils down to what you get to learn from your parents that helps shape your goal. True to the fact, Laxman has no hesitation to merge with the ocean, great sacrifice indeed to achieve the goal.

  • Mohan Ramesh Kumar, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Stylish writer. Well Polished till the end. Namaskar marryah.

  • Antony Cony D' Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Bhandarkar Sir,

    Very glad. ' A Dream Come True' is brilliantly presented. Enjoyed overwhelmingly.

    Having passed all the 4 stages, I have no doubt that this particular write-up of yours will surely take you up above 7 hills 'darshan’ or good audience are assured.
    There will be no early end but has to prevail in the daiji street (column)for long time to cherish with.

    Eager to read more. Good Luck Banduman.

  • Lancy Henry Moras, Moushmi Creations/Bajjodi

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Fentabulous. True touchy to the heart. I had gone through 5 times construing as it was so gorgeously recounted by my faith keeper friend R. Bhandarkar Sir. He is my all-time protagonist and it is not enough if I thank my most authoritative fan amid all.

    Sir Bhandarkar, hats off for a lovely write up. Keep going and in this way a dream of yours will come true a soon fine day. May God bless you always and I wish it from my Dil Se.

  • Mehita, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    With misty eyes, i too said 'Good Bye' to Laxmanmaam.

  • Jennet Prescilla, Mangalore, Muscat

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Dear Mr. Bhandarkar, A beautiful story of Laxmanman achieving Moksh. Very rarely you will find such souls fully dedicated to God in their lives. Very heart touching. thank you.


Leave a Comment

Title: A Dream Come True?



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.